Web developer
Design, build and look after websites and web applications for clients.
Also known as: back end developer, front end developer, full stack developer
About the job
What it's like
Web developers design, build and look after websites and web applications for clients.
Some developers work on the software and databases that help websites function. You might hear this called the 'back end', this is because it's the part that users can't see.
The web developers who work on the part users can see, are front end developers. They programme the user interface and other visual aspects of web pages.
You'd specialise in either of these, or work in both areas. Doing both, you'd be a full stack developer and would need a broader range of skills for this.
You could work for many different businesses and public sector organisations. Each project is different. For example, you could:
create a secure online shopping website
develop a virtual learning environment (VLE) for a college
set up a company intranet for staff
What you'll do:
talk to the client about their ideas
build a site and add buttons, forms, video, sounds or animations
make sure that the new site works with the client’s own systems and database
work on the site's appearance, often with a web designer
come up with solutions for user access and security
test the site to find and fix any problems before the public see it
Once you have built the site, you may continue to make small changes to make sure it's working. Depending on the contract, you could also continue to look after the site once it is up and running.
Explore more information about this job
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
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Financial and professional services -
Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- recalling
- taking responsibility
- taking initiative
- sorting
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- creative
- working with technology
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Graphic Communication
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Physics
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Skills for Work: Creative Digital Media
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You'd need a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in either:
Web Development
Multimedia Development
Computing Science
Software Engineering
To enter a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) course, you'd need National 4 or 5 qualifications and at least two Highers (SCQF level 6).
To enter a degree course (SCQF level 9/10), you'd need National 5 qualifications and at least four Highers.
If you have a degree in another field but wish to be a web developer, then you'd need to do a postgraduate 'conversion' course in an IT subject.
You can move to this job from other relevant ICT careers but you must have an understanding of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standards for website accessibility.
Some entrants move into web development from other computing jobs, such as programming.
Qualifications and experience that show knowledge of software, creative and problem-solving skills such Skills for Work Creative & Digital (SCQF level 4).
Work-based qualifications such as Scottish Vocational Qualification in ICT (SVQ level 2/3/4).
Knowledge of databases, content management systems and web technologies.
You'll need to have a good knowledge of programming languages. You can learn these through formal learning at school or college and university. You can also pick up knowledge and skills by learning online.
You may need to sit a technical test as part of the recruitment process.
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